By Leonard Okachie
Umuahia, April, 2026
A community leader and youth mobiliser, Mr. Chidozie Ibeleme, has declared his ambition to run for the Umuahia South State Constituency seat in the Abia Assembly in 2027.
Ibeleme said he would contest on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
He declared his ambition at a gathering of the party chieftains and supporters at his Olokoro residence in Umuahia South LGA on Wednesday.
He urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 General Elections, pointing out that “2027 is not about party, it’s about individuals”.
“Get your PVC, vote, make sure your vote counts. Monitor it at the end of the day.
“Make sure that what you voted for is what is released as the result,” the aspirant said.
He called for collective effort to elect capable, competent leaders, who would steer Abia to the “glorious destination that God has planned for the people”.
On his legislative agenda, he pledged to promote the development of Abia’s culture and prioritise safety, when elected.
“We have very beautiful culture, but it needs to be developed and propagated for the world to know what we can do.
“We have unique food; we need to market all these so that the world will know that these are the uniqueness of our people,” Ibeleme said.
He said that “Abia does not have security” and that he would prioritise it, pointing out that “people who are not safe are people who are vulnerable”.
Ibeleme commended Gov. Alex Otti of the Labour Party (LP) for his transformative leadership, describing him as “God-sent to the state”.
He also said that he and other well-meaning people of Abia would support the governor, if he would seek for a second term in 2027.
He described APGA as a platform rooted in shared political identity and collective aspiration, and expressed the confidence in securing both the party’s nomination and final electoral victory.
He urged party members to strengthen their participation in the democratic process through voter registration, civic engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation.
In a brief remark, the APGA Chairman in the LGA, Mr. Obioma Uluocha, acknowledged Ibeleme’s declaration of intention and urged all the aspirants to engage constructively with the party leadership.
He emphasised the need for strong representation at the State Assembly and encouraged a competitive and fair selection process.
